The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of n-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on eruptive movement during tooth development. Sprague-Dawley (SD) rat pups were randomly divided into two groups; control group and experimental group. The experimental group was administered daily with n-3 PUFA by intraperitoneal (IP) injection. After 10 days postpartum, rat pups were sacrificed to evaluate the effect of n-3 PUFA on eruptive tooth movement. Histological analyses were by hematoxylin-eosin (H&E) staining. Tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) assay was performed to compare the osteoclast distribution in the bone matrix above the developing molar teeth. Incisor teeth eruptions were noticeably observed in IP group, as compared to control group. Rat pups in IP group showed faster tooth eruption on day 8 after birth. Through histological analyses, IP group showed thinner bone matrix and more osteoclasts above the 1st molar teeth, as compared to control group. TRAP assay showed significantly stronger stained pattern that the osteoclast above the 1st molar teeth in IP group, as compared to control group. The results suggested that n-3 PUFA could affect osteoclastic activity involved in bony remodeling during eruptive tooth movement.

• Hyun-Jin Kim(Institute of Biomaterial⋅Implant, Department of Oral Anatomy, School of Dentistry, Wonkwang University, Iksan, South Korea) Correspondence to